Raksha Bandhan - Fairs and Festivals in
India

India is a country of
varied religions and occasions. Raksha bandhan is one such festival
which is most awaited. It is entirely dedicated to the love and
affection shared between a brother and a sister. Sisters tie a
delicate cord of 'Rakhi' on this day pulsates with this sublime
sentiment and pray for their long life. Brothers, in turn, give them
enticing rakhi gifts and vows to protect and care for them life long.
Thus all celebrate Raksha Bandhan with great enthusiasm. This Indian
Festival Rakhi is celebrated since time Immortal and will be
celebrated by siblings for the time to come.

A more poignant instance is of the princess of a small Rajput
principality. It speaks of the spell the Raakhi had cast even on those
of alien faiths. The princess sent a Raakhi to the Moghal Emperor
Humayun to save her honor from the onslaught of the Gujarat Sultan.
The emperor who was engaged in an expedition against Bengal, turned
back and hastened to the rescue of his Raakhi sister. But, alas, to
his utmost sorrow, he found that the kingdom had already been overrun
and the princess had committed Jauhaar, i.e., leaped into the flames
to save her honor.

The sister-brother relationship highlighted by the Raakhi goes far
beyond the mere personal protection of a female from a male. It also
implies the basic element of an amicable and harmonious social life
where all members of the society look upon themselves as brothers and
sisters and as children of one common motherland.

An amazing bond of love shared among siblings is what celebrated on
the day of Rakshabandhan. The wonderful festival of Rakhi is eagerly
awaited by Brothers and Sisters. Lots of preparations take place into
ensuring that the day of Rakhi becomes a most memorable day for the
brother and the sister. 'Rakhi' the sacred thread tied to a brother's
wrist which is chosen by the sister who ensures that she has selected
the brightest and the best designed Rakhi for her loving brother. Best
of the sweets are also chosen and along with the Rakhi, vermillion and
few grains of rice form part of the Rakhi pooja thali on the day of
Rakshabandhan. On this Rakhi occasions gifts are exchanged and special
Rakhi Recipes like Ghevar, Vermicelli Kheer, Malpua, Kesar Burfi,
Pista Sandesh & Rava Laddoo are prepared to fill this day with lots of
sweetness.